Last week Canada became the second country in the world to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
Municipalities in the area are taking various approaches to how they will govern the use of marijuana and where retail locations will be placed.
The Town of Drumheller passed its bylaws governing marijuana this summer. Insofar as consumption in Drumheller, it will be governed much the same as tobacco. It amended its community standards bylaw to add that no person shall smoke or vape cannabis in a public place. This does not apply to those who use cannabis for medical purposes, however, documentation must be supplied upon demand by a peace officer.
Cannabis retailers are able to set up in commercial and industrial districts as well as the downtown transitional district. It shall comply with provincial requirements including minimum separation distances from schools, school reserve parcels and provincial health care facilities.
The Village of Delia has updated its land use bylaw to include regulations on cannabis retailers, cannabis cafes, falling on discretionary land uses.
Mark Nikota, Delia CAO, says the village has completed the first reading of a bylaw pertaining to usage.
“Depending on where council is looking to go, we are looking at a smoke-free bylaw that says you can’t smoke it in public places,” he said.
He said that appears to be the direction most are going, allowing people to use in their own homes, but not in public spaces.
“Especially in small rural towns, we don’t have bylaw officers or police on the corner all the time, so someone could walk down the street smoking a joint and someone else phones it in. By the time the police get here, the evidence is up in smoke,” said Nikota. “So unless someone is really willing to sign a complaint, take pictures or videos, it is going to be really hard to enforce.”
Second and third reading is slated for November 8.
Munson CAO Lyle Caweizel said at this point council has not passed any bylaws pertaining to marijuana. Morrin is still in the process of dealing with the issue. Hussar Mayor Tim Frank says they are not looking at any bylaws at this time.
In Rockyford, Mayor Darcy Burke said council has debated the issue a great deal, however, have not passed a bylaw at this time. He acknowledges enforcement could be tricky and also many communities may have different regulations governing usage.
“Council supports the fact the consumption of marijuana should be aligned with alcohol legislation,” he stated.
On the eve of legalization, Rockyford issued a statement that it would not be passing a bylaw at this time.
“The Province has legislated areas that are prohibited, such as playgrounds, schools, health facilities, sports grounds, etc. We expect those who choose to consume cannabis will be respectful of others and follow any legislation currently in place,” it states.
“If we find there is a lack of consideration and respect, we will revisit the creation of a bylaw.”
